The Pioneer Memorial Theatre was built as “the modern counterpart of the old Salt Lake Theater,” a tribute to “the thousands who sat enthralled within its walls” and to the “traditions of our Pioneer theatrical heritage.” Although only parts of the exterior bear any resemblance, Pioneer Memorial was to be “pleasantly reminiscent of the Salt Lake Theater in architectural design.” Construction on both building began on the 1st of July, the original in 1861 and the latter in 1960.